Photo of the Week: Thai Som Tam

Everyone raves about the food in Thailand but to be honest I’ve never been a fan. The dishes I’ve tried abroad and on our brief trip to Bangkok three years ago just didn’t inspire me. Since we’ve been in Thailand this time though, eating has been such a pleasure. We have had some average meals but once we discovered some great, vegetarian friendly places to eat things began to really look up.

This is the classic Thai dish Som Tam, or spicy green papaya salad. I was happy to discover a vegetarian version (without the usual fish sauce and shrimp) at the wonderful vegetarian restaurant Pun Pun in Chiang Mai. Thin slices of green papaya and carrot, green beans, peanuts, cherry tomatoes, lime, garlic and lots of chilli are pounded together in a pestle and mortar to release the flavours. It’s fiery hot and utterly delicious.

OMG, I’m so shocked you didn’t love Thai food before!!! We’ve been addicted to it since we were young, and must admit that was the reason we first went to Thailand years ago. I’m so glad you like it now. Love Som Tam too! Have you been to ‘Som Tam’ at Siam Square? It’s a hugely popular Isaan place that is a local favourite – normally has long lines out front, but get there early or late to avoid the queues – they do the most delicious fried chicken in the world. I know it’s tough at the moment, but are you travelling around Thailand at all? If so, try to get to the Isaan – best Som Tam in Thailand (naturally): http://grantourismotravels.com/2011/07/01/footpath-feasting-chicken-and-salad-isaan-style/

I know, I always felt it was weird I didn’t like it – must have never eaten at the right places. We have just rented a place in Chiang Mai for 3 months but would love to get to Isaan at some point next year.